Airbus will unveil its latest Wingman concept at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin. A “Wingman” is a pilot in a different aircraft who provides protection and support to the flight commander, provides additional tactical options, and thereby contributes to the success of the mission in military aviation. The Wingman will function similarly to the Airbus concept, with the exception that it is not a fighter aircraft or piloted by one. It is a fighter-type drone that can undertake high-risk mission duties that would be more dangerous to manned-only aircraft. The drone will be commanded by a pilot in a current combat aircraft, such as the Eurofighter.
The Wingman’s responsibilities can include reconnaissance, jamming targets, and striking targets on the ground or in the air with precision-guided rockets or missiles. Pilots in manned aircraft serving as “command fighters” will always maintain command of the mission. They maintain final decision-making authority while benefiting from the protection and reduced risk exposure provided by delegating tactical tasks to unmanned devices. An additional focus is on boosting overall combat mass at an acceptable cost so that air forces can match the number of enemy troops in peer or near-peer confrontations.
The 1:1 model, which Airbus will be showcasing on its static display at ILA from June 5 to 9, is comparable to a “show car” that is used by the automotive industry as a design project. The Wingman model demonstrates all of the anticipated capabilities, including the integration of advanced sensors, connectivity, teaming solutions, various weapons, and minimal observability commonly called stealth. The model is a concept and is not expected to enter into series production. The model on display at ILA Berlin will function as a foundation and catalyst to drive the design requirements for each iteration of the Wingman.
The Wingman is designed to enhance the capabilities of existing manned combat aircraft by providing uncrewed platforms that can transport weapons and other effectors, as per the current concept.
Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, stated that the German Air Force has explicitly articulated a requirement for an unmanned aircraft to operate in conjunction with and support the missions of its manned fighter jets prior to the operationalization of the Future Combat Air System in 2040. The model was developed in Germany and would be refined to provide the German Air Force with a cost-effective solution that meets the performance requirements necessary to optimize the effects and multiply the power of its fighter fleet in the 2030s.
